Walking into this Columbia Heights institution is like taking a quickie Mexican vacation, thanks to a shrine to the Virgin of Guadalupe and crowds of Latino families. Your order should include at least one of the tacos ($2.50 each)—we especially like the crumbly, rich chorizo and the barbecue-like pork carnitas.

The barbacoa res beef burrito ($7) is another favorite, the meat simmered with tomatoes and peppers before getting rolled up with beans, rice, crema, cheese, onions, cilantro, and avocado. For a meal on the go, grab a milanesa de pollo torta ($7), a breaded-chicken sandwich served with avocado, beans, mayo, and cheese. Horchata, a cool rice-and-cinnamon-based drink, pairs nicely with the vibrant flavors

Note: The taqueria’s second location in DC’s Petworth lacks the transportive charm and consistent cooking of the original.